The nexus between green intellectual capital, blockchain technology, green manufacturing, and sustainable performance

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 Feb;31(10):15026-15038. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-31952-8. Epub 2024 Jan 29.

Abstract

Enterprises across the globe are facing increasing pressure to effectively utilize resources and reduce costs through green supply chain practices. Emerging technology, such as blockchain technology which enables green practices, has become a contemporary industrial paradigm. However, enterprises need to build green intellectual capital to implement blockchain technology, which can be key to realizing green supply chain practices. This research examines the impact of green intellectual capital (GIC) on blockchain technology and its role in implementing green manufacturing to achieve sustainability. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized for assessing the proposed hypotheses, and cross-sectional data was accumulated from manufacturing firms. As per the results, GIC, which includes green human capital, green structural capital, and green relational capital has a crucial role in the implementation of blockchain technology. The outcomes also indicated that the adoption of blockchain technology significantly influences green manufacturing. Moreover, green manufacturing (GM) has a substantial role in improving business sustainability. This empirical research provides a deeper understanding of how GIC and blockchain technology contribute to the implementation of GM. This research also provides guidelines that managers, policymakers, and producers can use to facilitate the incorporation of GM practice into business activities.

Keywords: Blockchain technology; Green intellectual capital; Green manufacturing; Sustainable performance.

MeSH terms

  • Blockchain*
  • Commerce
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Technology